Valve-operating mechanism.



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J. F. SENTER. VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLIOATION FILED JULY 21, 1906.

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PATENTED JUNE 11, 1907.

J. F. SENT'BR. VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 21, 1906.

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No. 856,549. PATENTED JUNE 11, 1907. J. F. SBNTER.

VALVE OPERATING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 21, 1906.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN F. SENTER, OF CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE, ASSIGN OR OF ONE-HALF TO MORGAN LLEYVELLYN, MICHAEL G. VEIDNER, AND J. HARRY STREET,

OFCHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE.

VALVE-OPERATING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 1 1, 1907.

To In whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN F. SENTER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chattanoog a, in the county of Hamilton and State of Tennessee, have invented a new and useful Valve-Operating Mechanism, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to mechanisms for effecting the automatic discharge of water from steam and water separators, or from oil and water separators, for controlling the feed of water to boilers, and for all analogous purposes, where it is desired to control the amount of supply or passage of fluid or liquid between two points.

The principal object is to provide novel and comparatively simple mechanism, that will be reliable, accurate and effective in its operation, said mechanism not being liable to derangement or accident.

Several embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the accompanying drawings, but it will be evident from an inspection of the claims that the invention is not limited to the structure herein set forth.

In the drawings:--Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through the steam and water separator, showing the novel mechanism for controlling the discharge of water therefrom. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through an oil and water separator. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view through a high pressure boiler feeding mechanism. Fig. 1 is a similar view through a low pressure boiler feeding mech- .anism.

Similar reference numerals designate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawings.

Referring first to the structure disclosed in Fig. 1, a steam and water separator 5 is shown the structure and operation of which is fully disclosed in co-pending application, Serial No. 306,361, and therefore need not be herein described. So far as the separating mechanism is concerned, it may be of any character desired. The lower portion 6 of this separator constitutes in effect a reservoir in which the separated water accumulates. An outlet for the accumulated water is formed in the bottom at and communicates with a discharge pipe 8. A motor valve controls the discharge opening, the same consisting of a casing 9, to which the discharge pipe 8 is connected, one end of the casing being suitably secured to the bottom of the separator, and having a valve seat with which cooperates a valve 10. The valve 10 is carried by a stem 11 connected to a motor, said motor being in the form of a piston 12 that operates in a cylinder portion 12 of the casing 9. It will be evident that when the piston is elevated, the valve 10 will always be raised, thus opening the discharge and permitting the water accumulated in the reservoir to flow freely through the pipe 8. The following mechanism is provided for effecting the operation of the motor valve.

A common supply and exhaust conduit 13 is connected to the end of the cyli1'1de1112 at one end, and has its other end coupled to a casing 13, provided with a nipple 14, that is secured to one side of the separator, and communicates with the interior thereof through a channel 15. An inlet or supply port 16 constitutes the means of communication between the channel and the conduit 13, and a suitable exhaust port 17 is formed in the casing 13 and is also in com munication with the conduit 13. The ports 16 and 1. are respectively controlled by independent valves 18 and 19, having stems 20 that project through the top of the casing. An actuating lever 21 is pivoted to both stems, and a coiled spring 22 is connected to the lever between its connections with the stems, said spring being also attached to the valve casing 13. It will be evident that if the lever 21 is moved in one direction, as, i

for instance, downwardly, the stem 20 of the valve 19 will constitute a fulcrum support for said lever, and the valve 18 will be opened. Thus the motive fluid in the separator will pass into the conduit 13, and operating against the piston 12, will raise the same, and thereby open. the discharge controlling valve 10. If, however, the lever 21 is elevated, the stem 20 of the valve 18 will constitute a fulcrum support for the same, and the valve 19 will be opened. The supply will thus be cut oil", and the exhaust port opened, so that the motive fluid in the cylinder 12 will exhaust, and the valve will seat itself.

In order to efl'ect the movements of the lever 21, and thereby the controlling valve mechanism, a gravity tank 23 is employed having upstanding and depending pipes 2- the lower being provided with a drain cock 25. Offset nipples 26, connected to the ends of the pipes 24, are in turn connected to flexible hose pipes 27. The upper hose pipe has a coupling 28 that communicates with the upper portion of the reservoir. The lower hose pipe 27 has a T-coupling 29, the upper arm of which communicates, as shown at 30, with the bottom of the reservoir, the lower arm having a drain valve 31. A supporting link 32, pivoted at one end, as shown at 33, to one'side of the separator body, has its other end pivoted, as shown at 36, to a collar 1 37 adjustable on the upper pipe 24 and held set screw 38.

normally against movement thereon by a A link 39 connects the lever 32, betweenits ends, with one end of the lever 21. A springl40ihasits lower end seated in a bracket 41, and adjustably supported by a screw 42, the upper end of said spring bearing against thelunder sideZof the supporting lever 32, and serving to yieldingly support the gravity tankiwhen the same is empty.

The mechanism operates substantially as follows: When there is a comparatively small amount of water in the separator, the spring 40 will support the gravity tank 43 in an intermediate position, and in this state both, valves 18 and 19 will be held closed by the spring 22. As the water accumulates in the reservoir 6, it will flow freely into the gravity tank 22, so that the'weight will continually increase. As soon as this weight overcomes the tension of the spring 40, the gravity tank will drop downwardly. This moves the outer end of the lever 21 downwardly, thereby maintaining the exhaust 17 in closed condition and opening the supply port, so that the valve 10 is opened in the manner already described. hen. this takes place, the water flows freely from the reservoir and from the haust valve 19, and at the same time closing the supply controlling valve. The valve 10 w1ll again be closed until sufficient water has accumulated in the tank 23 to repeat the operation above described.

The structure disclosed in Fig. 2 is intend ed more particularly for separating oil and water, and the separating mechanism is cation with the conduit 51.

tion 49, with a drip or collector pan 50 arranged within the reservoir 44. A supply and return conduit 51 communicates with the motor valve 48 and has its inlet end connected to a valve casing 52 secured by a nipple 53 to the separator body. The motive fluid in this structure is obtained from any suitable high pressure source, as, for instance, the live steam of a boiler, the inlet port being shown in the casing 52 at 54. An exhaust port 55 is also formed in the casing body. Both of these ports are in co'mmuni Valves 56 control theports and have stems 57 connected to an actuating lever 58, a spring 59 being also connected to this lever. A gravity tank 60 also constituting an oil separator, as fully disclosed in co-pencling application, Serial No. 327,219, has a lower flexible connection 61 with the pipe 49 above the motor valve and also has an upstanding pipe 62 connected by a flexible tube 63 with another pipe 64 that enters the reservoir 44, and has a downturned terminal 65 arranged over the pan 50 in line with the inlet end of the pipe 49. A supporting lever 66, pivotally mounted on one side of the separator body, has an adjustable connection 67 with the pipe 62 of the gravity tank, and also has a link-connection 68 with the lever 58, The operation of this structure is substantially the same as that of the mechanism first described, ijnsoliquid is secured in the gravity tank 60 is slightly different. Under ordinary conditions, or when there is little or no oil or water in the gravity tank, the ports will be as shown in Fig. 2, in which case the exhaust 55 will be opened, and the motor valve 45 will therefore be closed. As the liquids accumulate in the separator they will also flow into the gravity tank, which will contain steam, as will be evident. As soon, however, as the pipe 56 becomes submerged, the flow of steam to the gravity tank will be cut off, and the steam contained therein will immediately condense. As a result, a partial vacuum will be formed in this gravity tank 60, so that the liquid contained in the separator will flow quickly thereinto, and cause the downward movement of the tank. When this is accomplished, the exhaust port 55 will be closed, and the supply port 54 will be opened, so that the motive fluid, passing from the pipe 51, will operate the motor valve to open the same and permit the discharge of water from the gravity tank and separator. So far as the mechanism is employed for separating the oil and water, no claims are made herein to this structure, the same forming the subject-matter of another application, Serial No. 327,219 above mentioned.

A boiler feed governor is shown in Fig. 3.

In this embodiment of the invention, the reference numeral 69 is in effect a water colwumn having upper and lower communications 70 With the boiler. A portion of the feed pipe for the boiler is shown at 71,.and has therein a motor valve comprising a cylinder 72, and ,a valve casing 73. A valve 74 operates in the casing, and a piston 75 operates in the cylinder. The valve and piston are connected by a rod or stem 76. Suitable packing 77 is interposed between the cylinder and the valve casing to prevent leakage in either direction. A supply and exhaust conduit 7-8 :is connected to the cylinder on the rear side of the piston, and is also connected to a casing 79 having a nipple 80 connected $0 the column 69 and in communication with the upper portion of the interior thereof. The valve [casing 79 has an inlet port 81 and an exhaust port 82, these ports being controlled by valves 83 having stems 84 connected to an actuating lever 85. A spring :86 is connected to the lever between the valve stems 84. The gravity tank 87, which has upstanding and depending pipes 88 connected by flexible hose couplings 89 with the upper and lower portions of the water column .69. A supporting lever 90, pivoted to one side of the water column, has an adjustable connection 91 with the upper pipe 88, and is connected by a link 92 with the itree .end of the lever 85. A supporting spring 93 bears against the under side of the lever 90, and the upper side of the lever cooperates with an electric alarm, the circuit closer of which is shown at 94. In this structure, the level of the water in the column 69 will be ,fiilllthe level of the water in the boiler, and, furthermore, the level of the water in the gravity tank 87 will be the same as the ilewel of {the Water in the column. Therefore, as Elong as the level is maintained at the proper height, there will be suflicient water the gravity tank 87 to hold it in its depressed position, with the supply valve 33 open and the exhaust closed. Motive fluid under pressure will thus be in the cylinder 72,.iholding the piston.75 down, and consequentlythe valve 74 closed. As soon, how- .ever, as the water in the boiler evaporates, so as to lower the level below a predetermined point, the weight of the gravity tank 187. and its contents will be overcome by the spring 93, .and said tank will be elevated. As :a result, the supply valve 83 will be closed, and the exhaust valve opened. Imme- :diately :the pressure of water in the pipe 71 will cause the valve 74 to open, and the wa- $8.1 flowing through said pipe will enter the boiler, replenishing "the supply. As soon as the water has reassumed its normal level, however, the gravity tank 87 will be depressed, and in consequence thereof, the

tank 74 will again lower, cutting off the supply. through any cause the valve mechanism should. fail to operate to replenish the water in the boiler, the upward movement of the gravity tank 87 will continue until the lever will effect the operation of the circuit closer 94 to sound the alarm.

Another embodiment of the invention and one particularly adapted as a low pressure boiler feed, though unquestionably useful inother relations, is disclosed in Fig. 4.- The reservoir member or water column body is shown at 95, and has upper and lower connections 96 with the boiler or other holder to be supplied with liquid. A portion of the supply pipe is shown at 97, and has located therein a valve casing 98 in which operates a valve 99, the same being connected to a piston 100 arranged in a cylinder 101, the structure thus forming a motor valve. The particular construction of the motor-or piston member is important. The stem 102 that is connected to the valve 99 is provided with an abutment 103, against which is located a cup-shaped packing 104. This packing is borne against by a sleeve 105, provided with enlarged flange 106, against which is arranged the rear side of a piston packing cup 107 that operates in the cylinder. It will be apparent that this structure is exceedingly simple, that the motive fluid cannot leak past the cup 107, and that the supply fluid cannot leak past the cup 104. A common supply and exhaust conduit 108 is connected to the cylinder 101., and has its inlet end communicating with a valve casing 109, the latter belng provided Wlill a nipple 110 by which it is secured to the water column body 95. The channel 111 through the casing 109 is controlled by a valve 112, and an exhaust port 1.13, formed in the casing, is controlled by a valve 114. The motive fluid supply is obtained from any suitable source having sullicient power, and in the present embodiment, a pipe 115, connected to the casing and communicating ith the channel 111 therein, leads from the supply pipe 97. A gravity tank 116 has a depending pipe 117, connected by a flexible coupling 1 18 to the lower portion of the water column body 95, and another flexible coupling 1.19 is connected to the upper end of the gravity tank at one end, its other end being connected to an upright pipe 120, having its lower end communicating with an intermediate portion of the water column, as shown at 121, preferably in one of the try cock openings. A lever 122 is adjustably connected as shown at 123 to the depending pipe 117, and is also connected by stems 124 to the valves 112 and 114, a spring 125 being connected to the lever 122 between the stems. A supporting lever 126, pivoted at one end to the water column body, is pivoted at its other end to the lower end of the depending pipe 117, and has the lower end of a coiled spring 127 connected thereto, the upper end being secured to a bracket arm 128 by an adjustwill therefore be empty.

able screw eye 129. An abutment screw 130 engages the lower edge of the lever 126 to limit its downward movements. The optration of this structure issubstantially as follows. When the Water in the column body 95 is below the opening 121, steam can freely enter the pipe 120, and the gravity tank 116 As a result, the exhaust port 113 will be opened, while the supply port will be closed, and the water in the pipe 97 will open the valve 99 and be supplied to the boiler. As soon, however, as the level of the water closes the inlet 121 of the pipe 120, the steam contained in the gravity tank 116 will be condensed, thereby forming a partial vacuum that will cause an inrush of water into the tank. The weight of this water will effect the lowering of the tank and the swinging of the lever 122, which will cause the valve 114 to close the exhaust port 113 and open the supply port. The fluid pressure thus being placed on the piston 100, the valve will be forced to closed position, and the supply of water out off.

From the foregoing, it is. thought that the construction, operation, and many advantages of the herein described invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without further description, and it will be understood that varlous changes in the size, shape, proportion, and minor details of construction may be resorted to without.- departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In mechanism of the character de scribed, the combination with a motor valve, of means for supplying motive fluid to and exhausting it from the motor valvefsaid means having an inlet and an exhaust, valves controlling the inlet and exhaust and having spaced exposed stems, a gravity tank, and a device operated by the gravity tank and coacting with the exposed stems for effecting the alternate movements of the valves upon the movements of the gravity tank.

2. In an apparatus of the character de scribed, the combination with a water container, of a motor valve having a supply and an exhaust, valves controlling the supply and exhaust and having upstanding valve stems a lever pivotally connected to and supported by both stems, a gravity tank having a pivotal connection with and supported from the lever, and a conduit connecting the container and tank and permitting the movement of the latter.

3. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a water container, of a movable gravity tank located ex- ,teriorly thereof and having communication therewith, a motor valve having an inlet and an exhaust, valve elements for controlling the inlet and exhaust, an actuating device I for the elements connected thereto, one of said elements constituting a support for the device when the other is operated and vice versa, a single spring connected to the device for urging both valve elements to closed position, and a connection between the actuating device and the gravity tank.

4. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a water container, of a movable gravity tank located exteriorly thereof, a flexible conduit having one end connected to the container and its other end connected to the tank, a motor valve having an inlet and an exhaust, separate valve elements for controlling the inlet and the exhaust, an actuating lever pivoted to both elements for alternately moving the same, said lever also having a pivotal connection with the gravity tank and being operated thereby, one of the elements constituting a fulcrum support for the lever when the other is moved, and vice versa, and yielding means connected to the lever for urging both-valve elements to closed position.

5. In mechanism of. the character de scribed, the combination with a water container, of a movable gravity tank located exteriorly thereof and having communication therewith, a motor valve, a common supply and exhaust conduit connected to the valve, a valve casing connected to the conduit and having inlet and exhaust ports, valves controlling the ports and having stems projecting from the casing, a lever pivoted to both stems for moving them in opposite directions, one of said stems constituting a fulcrum on the opening movement of the other valve, and vice versa, a pivotal connection between the lever and the gravity tank, and a spring engaging the lever for urging both valves to closed position.

6. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a motor valve, of means for supplying motive fluid to and exhausting it from the motor valve, said means including a valve casing having an inlet and an exhaust, valves located in the casing and controlling the inlet and exhaust, said valves having stems projecting from the casing, a gravity tank, and a lever connected to the gravity tank and engaging both of the a lever fulcrumed on the ends of the stems, a gravity tank, conduit connections between the gravity tank and reservoir member, and connections between said tank and the actuating lever of the valves.

8. In mechanism of the character described, the combination with a reservoir member, of a motor valve including a casing, and a reciprocatory piston operating therein, a common supply and exhaust conduit connected to the casing for supplying motive fluid against and exhausting it from the piston, a valve casing connected to the conduit, and having inlet and exhaust ports, valves controlling the ports and having stems pro- .jecting from the casing, a lever fulcrumed on Y the ends of the stems, a spring engaging the lever, a gravity tank, flexible connections between the tank and reservoir member, and a link connection between said tank and the actuating lever of the valves.

9. In a boiler feeder of the character described, with a cut-off valve normally tending to open, and means whereby said valve is held closed when the water line is at or above normal, said means embodying a stationary reservoir, a gravitating tank above the water level of the reservoir, and flexible pipe connections between the tank and said stationar reservoir, and means for raising the gravltating tank when the water runs out of the same, a conduit connecting said stationary reservoir with the cut-oil", and a valve arrangement in said conduit, whereby when the movable tank' rises, communication is cut oil between the stationary reservoir and the cut-off, thereby preventing either water or steam reachin the cut-ofi', and communication is established between the pipe leading to the cut-oil and the exhaust passage to thereby release the cut oil and permit it to 0 en.

10. In a boiler feeder of the character described, the combination with a stationary reservoir, a gravitating tank, and means keeping it in constant communication with said stationary reservoir, whereby this gravitating tank will be kept filled with water while the stationary reservoir is filled and will be emptied of water when the stationary reservoir 1s emptied, means for normally raising the gravitating tank, a cut-oil, a conduit connecting the stationary reservoir to this cut-ofl' and serving to normally hold the cut oil closed while said stationary reservoir is filled with water, an inlet valve in said conduit, an exhaust'or outlet in said conduit, and means connected to thcfgravitating tank, whereby when said tank is lowered by the water in it, the outlet valve will be closed and the inlet valve opened, and vice versa.

11. In combination with a stationary reservoir, a gravitating tank, and means keeping it in constant communication with said stationary reservoir, whereby this gravitating tank will be kept filled with water while the stationary reservoir is filled and p will be emptied of water when the stationary reservoir is emptied, means for normally raising the gravitating tank, a cut-oil, a conduit connecting the stationary reservoir to this cut-oil, and serving to normally hold the cut ofl closed while said stationary reservoir is filled with water, an inlet valve in said conduit, an exhaust or outlet in said conduit, and means connected to the gravitating tank, whereby when said tank is lowered by the water in it, the outlet valve will be closed and the inlet valve will be opened, and vice versa, said means embodying a lever pivotally connected to the gravitating tank and to both the stems of the valves, and a spring connecting the lever to the stationary reservoir and normally tending to close both valves.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto aflixod my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

JOHN F. SENTER. I/Vitnesses IN. C. FRIERSON, F. P. LEWELLYN. 

